Tech Inferno Fan

The x4 TH05 will make no difference over the current x2 TH05 with existing Thunderbolt-equipped systems. Why? We've just discovered all x4 2.0 capable boxes (Magma, OWC, Sonnet) send Thunderbolt traffic at x2 2.0 + 12.5% bandwidth levels. The 12.5% extra they get over a x2 2.0 TH05 is hardly worth them commanding 2.5-times or more the premium over a TH05. Have to wait until 20Gbps Thunderbolt arrives in 2014 OR we miraculously figure out how to use the second 10Gbps Thunderbolt channel for pci-e rather than it's default of displayport traffic to get x4 2.0 running. Please refer to my HD7870 versus GTX660 on x1.1, x1.1Opt, x1.2, x1.2Opt review to help make your eGPU purchase decision. If you would be running x2 2.0 Thunderbolt then yes, AMD cards do better in restricted bandwidth scenarios once we factor out the pci-e compression that's only available on x1 links. Another important consideration is if you need internal LCD mode. Then you'd evaluate NVidia Optimus vs Lucidlogix Virtu. Both require a primary iGPU video bootup device so ensure your candidate notebook has it if that feature is important. NVidia Optimus is part of the driver set and is free. LucidLogix officially only has a 30-day trial version. Recommend a HD7870 or GTX660Ti So for current Thunderbolt-equipped systems suggest grab a US$180 BPlus TH05 + AMD HD7870 or NVidia GTX660Ti.

3dmark11 says the GTX660 is running as the primary video so you may be seeing x1 2.0 rather than x1.2Opt (x1 pci-e compression + internal LCD mode). Can confirm by running 3dmark06. If the result is < 10k then you're running the slower x1 2.0. Usually need to hotplug the eGPU after boot or set the PCI Reset jumper to do it for you to get the HD3000 as the primary and [email protected] running. Can see my Dell E6230 + GTX660 @ x1 2.0 and x1.2Opt results for performance differences.

I guess the ppl I spoke to always preferred HDMI over DP. I read that DP is preferred in a business environment but didn't see an elaboration as to why. Apple now having HDMI ports on their latest Macbook Retinas where previously they had TB/mDP only ports. Dell Latitudes also having HDMI rather than DP. I'm with you and would have preferred a touchstyk over a touchpad. That way the hands never have to leave the keyboard. Though can see it would have been a dealbreaker for some then. 2170P pricing makes little sense - a 2570P can be bought for less. With their weird US pricing it almost looks like HP don't want to sell business notebooks to consumers.

Agreed. A E6230 is the only one without the ugly orange accents so is the most stylish of the current Latitudes. I am stunned by Latitude pricing in the US. The E6230 can be had for significantly less than the other two as a refurb in Australia. Here the 2570P is the dearest unit. imho too, it was a major oversight to not include a touchstyk on the E6230. Though I can see why by evaluating the E6230 vs E6330 keyboard below. See the trackpoint mouse buttons? They would have encroached into palmrest/touchpad space. I'm guessing the E6330 keyboard + touchstyk (without buttons) could be retrofitted to a E6230. What's the point without buttons? Maybe Dell could make the touchpad a clickpad when running in that configuration? <A href="http://www.msystems.gr/files/product/14618.2.jpg"><img width=49% src=http://www.msystems.gr/files/product/14618.2.jpg></A> <A HREF="http://ww2.notebooki.wroc.pl/upload/e6330-8.jpg"><img width=49% src=http://ww2.notebooki.wroc.pl/upload/e6330-8.jpg></A> Above: E6230 and E6330 keyboards compared A E6230 has 3 mPCIe slots of which none are wired for mSATA. Dell really should have added a touchstyk and mSATA to their E6230. A IPS LCD option would be appreciated too. HP also have a 2170P which looks like a smaller 2570P. It does have a touchstyk. It deviates from the ultrabook design by offering a removable 48Whr battery, 7mm 2.5" SSD/HDD, business grade build, matte LCD. Comes with a backlit LCD. Still it misses out on mSATA and what were HP thinking giving it only 48Whr? So yeah.. I too hope the next generation of ultraportables from these vendors can incorporate the full feature set (mSATA, IPS, Thunderbolt, touch, touchstyk) and more.

Overall system performance would improve. RickiBerlin lists advantages/disadvantages with his X9100-E0 CPU (QHBQ) installed in a HDX9000: *HP HDX 9000 DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 2* - Page 457 . The X9100 is a Series-4 CPU that can be made to work in a 965PM system by doing a 266->200Mhz socket pin mod. It's the coolest/fastest CPU you can get for your box. Cheapest I've seen them is on aliexpress for US$140-shipped: wholesale & retail Intel Dual Core X9100 QHBQ laptop cpu QS Version-in Processors from Computer & Networking on Aliexpress.com . You might get lucky on fleabay. When evaluating all of this, consider what an complete system swapout would cost to a s/h Sandy Bridge system. Eg: Lenovo E420/E520/T420/T520, HP 4430s/4530s/6460b/6560b/8460p/8560P, Dell 3450/3550/E6420/E6520. There you'd get x1.2Opt performance from your GTX570 which would outperform your x2 1.0 with the T61 and be a simpler single-cable solution. The eGPU parts are cheaper too. The notebook itself would be considerably faster and give better battery life. Only downside I see is you'd be going to a 16:9 LCD.

The ultraportables listed in this comparo are from the last generation. A lot has changed since then with a rise in expectations - retina displays, cheap Nexus tablets, Win8, Thunderbolt. I too would love a feature set as you list. Unfortunately the first - upgradable CPUs looks to be on the way out. REF: http://forum.techinferno.com/general-notebook-discussions/2490-intel-might-kill-cpu-upgrades.html I too am looking for a similar feature set in the next wave of ultraportable releases.

I see.. that would be a convenient configuration. Your wifi card should work OK in port1 in x2 mode.. it will just use the first lane. Yes, x2E doesn't apply to you when using a GTX570. There are lots of T61 users out there. Having a confirmed x2 eGPU configuration extending their lifespan. There's also a dual-IDA bios getting you another free 200Mhz: See middleton's Ultimate R61/T61/X61/X300 BIOS (inc SATA-II) If wanting to take it a step further, you could put a X9100-E0 stepping CPU into it giving 1st gen i5 levels of performance when overclocked using Throttlestop software and unlocked multipliers.

A competitor site has been moulding public opinion with a moderator there proclaiming repeatedly the Lenovo X230 is the best ultraportable on the market with no mention of either a Dell E6230 or HP 2570P as alternatives. Questioning that opinion may even get you banned. As there are no sponsors on here to bias our recommendations, we can objectively evaluate all the pros and cons of these ultraportables below from which you can decide for yourself which features set best suits your needs. The notebookcheck.net reviews linked below are the very best available but do not cover some of the details below. So as not found on notebookreview.com, here's a pros/cons list of these three business ultraportables. 12.5" Lenovo Thinkpad X230 REVIEW + dual-drive capable: mSATA + 7mm 2.5" HDD/SSD but both are more expensive than 2.5" 9.5mm counterparts + 94Wh 9-cell battery option + backlit keyboard AND Thinklight + 54mm expresscard slot so can host an external eGPU for accelerated graphics/processing +/- IPS LCD option. A pro/con depending on your needs. Pro: wide viewing angles and high brightness. Con: wide viewing angles bad for privacy, draws more power and there are reports of red appearing as orange and image ghosting. +/- Displayport rather than HDMI port, a pro/con depending on your needs -- quality issues with palmrest cracking above expresscard slot disintegrating, battery rattling around - poor styling that hasn't evolved from their 1990s Thinkpads. Lenovo have spent $0 in the styling department. - non-upgradable soldered CPU - short palmrest may be uncomfortable if have large hands - touchpad has no real physical mousebuttons, it's a clickpad - whitelisted WWAN/wifi slots preventing use of future comms standards. I believe a hacked bios exists to get around this. - Lenovo safeguard prevents use of cheaper aftermarket batteries -> need genuine Lenovo ones. - eGPU users cannot get 16GB configuration to work -> need to downgrade to 8GB. 12.5" Dell Latitude E6230 REVIEW + contemporary styling + traditional keyboard with backlight option + do not whitelist their WWAN/wifi slots + easy servicability by removing bottom cover giving access to all major components + 34mm expresscard slot so can host an external eGPU for accelerated graphics/processing +/- HDMI rather than Displayport, a pro/con depending on your needs - no touchstyk - non-upgradable soldered CPU - no IPS LCD option but retrofit performed successfully here - only single 7mm 2.5" SATA SSD/HDD capable - no 9-cell battery option, rather uses a slice. 12.5" HP Elitebook 2570P REVIEW ++ socketted CPU -> can be be easily user upgraded to faster dual or quad cores but confirm warranty implications ++ optical drive. Can be replaced by caddy hosting a 9.5mm 2.5" SATA SSD/HDD alongside the primary 9.5mm 2.5" SSD/HDD. ++ supports RAID-0 across 2x6Gbps internal SATA channels for very fast SSD/HDD performance ++ exceptional build quality and contemporary styling + 100Wh 9-cell battery option + 34mm expresscard slot so can host an external eGPU for accelerated graphics/processing + easy servicability by removing bottom cover giving access to all major components +/- Displayport rather than HDMI port, a pro/con depending on your needs + glass touchpad -- heavier and thicker than the above two - no IPS LCD option - whitelisted WWAN/wifi slots preventing use of future comms standards. No hacked bios is possible due to RSA protection. - no backlit keyboard option but has a nightlight Summary A Dell E6230 is somewhat more stylish than the X230 but has the least features of the lot. A Lenovo X230 has some great features, if you can live with it's uninspired styling and some quality issues. Which brings us to the best unit from this lot. Given the massive move to smartphone/tablet mobile computing, having a complimentary 2570P offering near-desktop performanace levels when upgraded (CPU+storage), yet mobile enough to take on the road means it's the most potent tool from this set. It's also the significantly better built unit too.

Good news that wifi registers when moving over to the other mPCIe slot as port1. Means you could do a x2 eGPU port1+port2 configuration using your two mPCIe slots. In fact, if using an older AMD card (HD4xxx/HD5xxx) you could run x2E mode (port1+port2 electrically connected, but port1 set to x4 mode) which would give full duplex x2 1.0 performance. It's a way to rectify some handshaking bug between your Intel ICH8M IO chipset and these cards. I am not sure if HD6xxx/HD7xxx are equally affected. To force enable the radio on your wifi card just put cellophane tape over pin20. That should see it working in port1.

First things first. When you boot into Setup 1.1x, can you chainload to your OS before doing any PCI compaction?

We discovered in the eGPU area that current Thunderbolt is limited to x2 2.0 + 12.5%. The GPU itself negotiates a x4 2.0 link with the Thunderbolt controller on premium products like the Sonnet/Magma x4 2.0 TB enclosures, but there are two 10Gbps Thunderbolt transfer channels and one is reserved for Displayport traffic. Disappointed that we cannot make it a single 20Gbps channel instead. Maybe some reserved PCI registers could be hacked to do that if we got the TB datasheets from Intel? We know for sure that 20Gbps Thunderbolt that could transfer x4 2.0 bandwidth will come in 2014. Summary then is, current Thunderbolt eGPUs have just over double the bandwidth of Sandy/Ivy Bridge expresscard versions. It's questionable value then to spend the extra $$ for the TB-to-pcie enclosure/adapter and then seek out a Thunderbolt-equipped notebook from the handful available. I wish it wasn't so. Saying that . . . I too want a tablet or touch-based ultrabook with matte LCD that's thin and equipped with a x4 2.0 Thunderbolt port for eGPU purposes. 11.6" Acer Iconia W700 is the closest match with it's i5, IPS-1080P touch LCD and Thunderbolt port: Acer Iconia W700 review | Tablets Reviews | TechRadar

Suggest (1) don't perform PCI compaction, just disable the dGPU and chainload. If still no go then (2) delete the Intel+AMD switchable graphics driver you have installed and just install the latest Intel HD3000 driver and try again.

Per my previous post, replace the GTX660 with a HD7870. PCI compaction is only required if you have an error 12 against your eGPU preventing it's operation. That does not apply to you.

I noted in my recent i5-3320M + GTX660/HD7870 testing here that AMD eGPUs no longer appear to be crippled to half duplex performance on that Series-7 chipset as previous HD5750 cards were on a Series-4 chipset. I know that you'll see a much better 3dmark06 result with something like a HD7870. I'd be curious to see you do the same comparative performance tests on your system so we know if these newer AMD cards are indeed better performers across DX9, DX10 and DX11 on older Intel chipsets. Still.. you can see the difference in performance going from a x1 1.0 to x1 2.0 (Sandy/Ivy Bridge) gives in that link so a system upgrade is the other option to consider as noted earlier.

Refer to the Setup 1.1x help on PCI compaction available online or by pressing F1 in Setup 1.1x: PCI compaction If your Dell is running a x2 configuration and isn't listed yet on the first post, then can you please provide full details so it can be? Not many x2 configurations atm.

12.5" Lenovo X230 (1.45kgs, 768P-IPS) 13" Toshiba R930 (1.48kgs, 768P) 12.5" Dell E6230 (1.59kgs, 768P) IPS-LCD-mod 13" Macbook Pro Retina (1.62kgs, 2560 x1600, Thunderbolt) 14" Lenovo T430s (1.77kgs, 900P, Thunderbolt) 14" Toshiba R940 (1.9kgs, 900P in US) 12.5" HP 2570P (1.9kgs, 768P, socketted CPU/45W quad capable) So closest match is a MBPr or consider a 13" Sony SVZ (1.18kgs, 1080P) but with the mPCIe mod: http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/2158-diy-egpu-guide-sony-vaio-vpc-z2-svz13.html . Best compromise might be a 12.5" Lenovo X230 with it's 768P IPS LCD or 12.5" HP 2570P if need 45W quad CPU power. I'm not a fan of Lenovo Thinkpad styling given it hasn't changed much from the 1990s...

There's also fastraII, the NVidia version from a few years back. 6xGTX295 + 1xGTX275, 13 GPUs total = 12TeraFlops of computing power. We have done the DSDT override so have no 32-bit limitations to host the eGPUs. Just need a expresscard/TB bus extender to host so many eGPUs to do the same with our notebooks. It would of course still be limited by the bus bandwidth. Not sure how much is required for computational purposes but would guestimate it would be a lot less than for gaming. Your CW26 is a Series-5 system. It's PCIE 1.x only for the link speed, but PCIE 2.x for power management. In addition you have no iGPU so no Optimus pci-e compression. You are seeing straight x1 1.0 link performance which is pretty bad for a NVidia card when using DX9. The weak link in your configuration is the notebook. Replacing it with a Sandy or Ivy Bridge one with an iGPU and expresscard (eg: 14" HP 8460P/8470P, Dell E6420/E6430, Lenovo T420/T430) would gain you x1.2Opt performance (x1 2.0 + NVidia pci-e compression). 3dmark06 would be over 18k then with your GTX660.

Try the Video cards->Initialize function first after PCI compaction. If still get an error 43 then it may be because you have both a NVidia dGPU and eGPU. In which case I'd suggest modify the Verde (mobile) driver set to include your eGPU so as to get a unified driver set for both GPUs. Correct. A PE4H 3.2 provides the same x1 2.0 (pci-e) performance as a PE4L 2.1b. It's advantages over a PE4L 2.1b being mostly packaging: 1. an enclosure for the video card 2. ability to use all power form dual/tri rail ATX PSUs It's negatives are: 1. it costs considerably more than a PE4L 2.1b 2. it continues to use a 19V DC input for those wanting DC power for the slot. That means that hot bridge rectifer remains. PE4L 2.1b uses straight 12V. 3. if using an enclosure then the video card must have pci-e power from the side rather than top. A PE4L 2.1b + modded XBOX360 PSU still gives the best bang-per-buck portable solution imho.

Insert the code as shown in Avlan's E4300 dsdt override example. Confirm you have the Select preferred graphics processor for this program option in the NVidia control panel as shown below: Different system bios handle the startup differently if the eGPU is detected. My understanding is the latest X220 bios will just lower TOLUD and boot with the iGPU as the active primary video device. My Dell E6230 would set the eGPU as the primary video device on bootup if it was detected on poweron. To get x1.2Opt engaged, with the iGPU as the primary video device, the eGPU needed to be hot plugged or activated using the PCI Reset Delay jumpers so it was on the pci-e bus *after bootup*.

Are Sony SVZ/SZ2 PMD users getting x2 2.0 links? Hi Mikjoa, We recently discovered in http://forum.techinferno.com/diy-e-gpu-projects/2513-how-we-measure-rank-describe-our-systems-no-more-%401-2opt.html thread that Thunderbolt is currently limited to x2 2.0 + approx 12.5%. So if a user purchases a Sonnet Thunderbolt enclosure the eGPU will register a x4 2.0 link but get bottlenecked downstream by the Thunderbolt<->Thunderbolt comms. Now I know the Sony SVZ/SZ2 guys were noting poor performance from their PMD. Could you ask them to run CUDA-Z (NVidia) or PCieSpeedTest (AMD) on their PMD eGPU and submit the results? We are seeing approx 400MB/s on a x1 2.0 link. So they'd either see 1600MB/s (x4 2.0) or if they too are being crippled in a similar way to a x2 2.0 link then they will see 800MB/s (device-to-host). EDIT: This was confirmed via PM. The PMD runs a 10Gbps link just like 2011-2013 Thunderbolt, equivalent to x2 2.0 + 12.5% bandwidth.

BPlus tried to get pci-e 2.0 going but it would fail when there were mHDMI connectors involved. That's why they soldered it all together to eliminate those connectors. You'll note they have a variation, PE4L-L060A 2.1b which is their newer board allowing attachment to the older EC2C or PM3N. I was advised this too couldn't negotiate a pci-e 2.x link. The approach then is to consider offloading your current pci-e 1.x specced PE4H 2.4 + EC2C + PM3N and get a pci-e 2.0 specced PE4L-ECxxx/PE4L-PMxxx 2.1b when you get your Ivy Bridge notebook.

In order to get x1.2Opt (Optimus) (x1 2.0 + pci-e compression) functionality on the eGPU instead of the GT650M dGPU, the NVidia dGPU needs to be disabled. Use Setup 1.1x to do that. You can go higher than a GTX660Ti, like a GTX670/680 but will need to ensure an adequate power supply to drive it. Avoid twin-GPU cards like a GTX690 since so far no one has got it to work and it requires more resources to accomodate it. A PE4L-PMxxxA 2.1b is the only solution available to you since you have no expresscard slot.

I believe the reviewer compared it to a T430 because a 2570P weighs in close to a T430. It's heavier weight and HP's whitelisting of WWAN/wifi ports are the other disadvantages of a 2570P. Though I believe Lenovo whitelist their wifi/WWAN ports but unlike a 2570P, a hacked bios is usually available as a workaround. You are on the mark with advantages of a 2570P plus do note that a 2570P can accomodate a 2.5" 9.5mm primary drive + either a optical drive or a second 2.5" 9.5mm primary drive via a caddy. A X230 uses a 7mm 2.5" drive + second mSATA drive. So a X230 has lower storage capacity with it's 7mm/mSATA drives which also happen to be higher cost per GB than their 9.5mm cousins. A 2570P's upgradable CPU means if one puts a 45W i7-quad into it they'd get the smallest, most powerful system available in the current gen. Supports SATA-III RAID-0 across it's two drives (2.5" + 2.5" via optical caddy) too giving a very fast storage subsystem to match. Gadgetsnute, a NBR Dell E6220 user dismissed a X220 because of it's looks but wanted the IPS LCD. He ended up retrofitting a IPS LCD into his E6220. REF: Latitude E6220 IPS screen replacement . I wonder if the same can be done with a 2570P/2560P? If HP offered IPS on their 2570P then it would be a no brainer for me - a X230 with it's dated looks and less durable build wouldn't even be on the radar. In any case, a 2570P is a good one to keep on the radar once it trickles into the s/h market for it's upgradable CPU feature and business grade durability. Best if it still has some remainder of the higher-specced 3yr NBD onsite global warranty.

+1 Frula's comments. If you have a dv6-7084la then it has no expresscard slot. Only way you can attach an eGPU is using a mPCIe wifi slot. For that you'd need a PE4L-PM060A 2.1b. A GTX460-1MB is significantly faster than a GTX550Ti so it's a good one to get s/h. Otherwise a GTX560Ti or GTX660Ti. You'll also probably need Setup 1.1x software to disable the DV6's GT650M so can get the faster x1.2Opt performance. Recommend then you purchase your gear via Harmonic Inversion (HIT) to get the software bundled with your hardware. Only I'm not sure if they keep the PE4L-PM060A 2.1b.

Tech Inferno Fan July-2015>> Anybody interested in the 12.5" 2570P should also consider a 14" Dell E6430. The E6430 is the superior performance platform due to it's 900P LCD option, NVidia dGPU option, unlockable turbo bins (+400Mhz) on i7-37xxQM/i7-38xxQM CPUs and x2 2.0 eGPU capability. All with a minor size/weight penalty. See http://forum.techinferno.com/dell-la...tml#post118135 for details. Welcome to the 2570P Owner's Lounge! A place to liase with other owners and share useful tips/tricks/mods to get the most satisfying user experience from this exceptional ultraportable notebook. Release date: 22 June 2012, Model name: Inventec SIMBA, Nick name: EXtremeBook for i7-quad upgraded units A 2570P can be had for as little as US$250 on ebay-US , still with remaining 3yr global onsite warranty. A bargain when you consider it's upgraded desktop-replacement performance and durable MIL-spec build in a small 12.5" package. A features set unmatched by any other Ivy Bridge or Haswell notebook that remains undisclosed by all online reviews and even by HP. Grab one before word gets out . 2570P highlights being: socketted CPU allows a easy user upgrade up to a 45W i7-quad, doubling i5/i7 dual-core CPU performance. The result of doing so being the smallest, most powerful systems available that can function as a desktop replacement. Ultraportable competitors like a 12-14" Lenovo X230/X1C/T430s, Dell E6230/E6330, Toshiba R930/R940 or 13" Macbook Pro all have soldered dual-core i5/i7 CPUs making CPU upgrades unfeasible. Need to upsize to a larger 14" Lenovo T430/T440 or (preferrably) a Dell E6440 to get a socketted CPU. rare 5Gbps expresscard slot allows implementing a ~$160 [email protected] DIY eGPU for gaming graphics, CUDA/OpenCL processing or driving more external LCDs. optical drive can be swapped with a second 2.5" 9.5mm SATA-III 6Gbps SSD or HDD in a caddy & in a JBOD, RAID-0 (performance) or RAID-1 (redundancy) configuration. Can have up to 4TB of internal storage (2x2TB 9.5mm). Or RAID-0 2xSSDs for superfast boot-times and > 1GB/s sequential transfers. eSATAp port allows external bootable SSD/HDD to be attached using a single eSATAp cable. Ultra convenient when you consider USB-only systems like Macbooks require complicated software workarounds to get a Win7/8 disk booted off their USB ports. upgradeable wifi : can upgrade to recently-released 802.11AC standard with a Broadcom BCM4352 or Intel 7260 HMW card as explained. internal WWAN/3G capable : install a whitelisted WWAN/3G card, insert a mobile SIM and surf the internet anywhere battery options include a 31Wh 3-cell, 62Wh 6-cell (9hrs) and 100Wh 9-cell battery (15hrs) is listed by laptopmag as a top 5 HP laptop of 2013 (Dec-2013) and top 10 business notebook (Apr-2013) Comparison: http://forum.techinferno.com/what-no...html#post34610 concludes the 2570P is the best one.Comparison: 12.5" HP 820 G1 (Haswell: 4th-gen i-core) versus 2570P (Ivy Bridge: 3rd gen i-core) in spoiler: Comparison: 12.5" HP 2570P (Ivy Bridge: 3rd gen i-core) versus 2560P (Sandy Bridge: 2nd gen i-core) Example user-customized 2570P systems ordered by CPU performance User CPU clock TDP x27-TDP Storage: 9.5mm primary + ODD bay Other mods i7 quad-core equipped 2570Ps Aikimox [email protected] 45W 500GB + 1TB HDDs (1.5TB) OC ME FW, 16GB DDR3, cooling Tech Inferno Fan [email protected] 45W 22.1W 256GB S840P.SSD + ODD + 500GB eSATAp GTX770 eGPU, OC ME FW, BCM4352AC wifi, battery life tweaks, cooling Dewos i7-3840QM 2.8 45W 24.8W 128GB+128GB RAID0 SSDs GTX660 eGPU, 16GB DDR3 badbadbad i7-3840QM 2.8 45W 26.2W 500GB S840 EVO SSD + ODD 16GB DDR3L, BCM4352AC wifi invait53 i7-3840QM 2.8 45W 128GB SSD + 2TB ST HDD 16GB DDR3, WLAN-USB, BCM4352AC wifi+BT4.0 paperclip i7-3820QM 2.7 45W 22.4W 240GB Intel 530 SSD + ODD jacobsson i7-3740QM 2.7 45W 256GB+256GB RAID0 SSDs + 500GB eSATAp GTX670 eGPU, 16GB DDR3L, cooling pandaleo i7-3740QM 2.7 45W 24.5W 256GB Toshiba SSD 16GB DDR3L Uftherr i7-3720QM 2.6 45W GTX570 eGPU, 8GB DDR3, cooling hatoblue i7-3630QM 2.4 45W 23.6W GTX560Ti eGPU krazyazy i7-3632QM 2.2 35W 24.5W 256GB S840P.SSD + 500GB HDD GTX660Ti eGPU, 16GB DDR3L phillofoc i7-3632QM 2.2 35W 25.5W 128GB C400 SSD + 500GB HDD GTX650Ti eGPU, 16GB DDR3L, 7260AC wifi, battery life tweaks bjorm i7-3632QM 2.2 35W 25.7W 500GB S840 SSD + ODD GTX560TI eGPU, cooling+quiet_fan+holey_bottom i5 or i7 dual-core equipped 2570Ps rhx123 i7-3520M 2.9 35W 256GB LiteOn LCT-256M3S SSD + ODD GTX780 eGPU jot23 i5-3210M 2.5 35W 128GB C400 SSD + 640GB HDD GTX660 eGPU xuhexiffi806 i7-3689Y 1.5 13W 180GB Intel 530 SSD + weight saver 100Wh 9-cell battery, expresscard-SD reader PURPLE - highest performance AND lowest power consumption in this table RED - highest performance configuration in this table GREEN - lowest power consumption in this table x27-TDP: TDP when running at x27 reflecting overall CPU temps and efficiency as discussed Operating System, Support, Drivers, Disassembly Guide HP's 2570p Drivers Link, Manuals Link, Maintenance And Service Guide, Disassembly Guide, Media Services Link w/ videoWindows 7 OEM HP Source - For Clean Installs : includes additional HP installation contents needed for a Win7 clean install media.2560P schematic : 2570P is similiar but unfortunately no public schematic found for it as yet. This is the next best thing.HP warranty checker : useful to check a ebay secondhand unit's remaining warranty Performance upgrade: i7-quad CPU resulting in 'IVB ZBook 12' or 'EXtremeBook'Can effectively double the CPU performance going from a factory i5/i7 dual core to a i7-quad CPU. Could also be desirable if you wish to lower fan noise and temps. Running a i7-quad with max 99% CPU utilization results in noticably cooler temps than their dual-core counterparts without loss of performance, eg: cool i7-quads by bjorm's i7-3632QM or Aikimox's i7-3840QM. Note: warranty implications of a CPU upgrade - a factory-specced faster dual core up to i7-3520M 2.9 will not void warranty while a i7-quad will void the warranty if HP know about it as it wasn't offered with one. I'd keep the original CPU back and swap it back in if necessary. Upgraded 2570P i7-quad system examples are shown in the table above.NOTE: A 45W CPU can have highest multiplier limited to a 35W CPU level using Throttlestop software. That means a 45W i7-3630QM/i7-3610M (turbo=3.4/3.3Ghz) runs like a 35W i7-3632QM/i7-3612QM (turbo=3.2/3.1Ghz). Best 45W i7-quads being a i7-3630QM (x32) , i7-3720QM (x34) and i7-3740QM/3820QM (x35). There is at max 9% 4-core peformance difference between these with the higher end ones often not being able to maintain their upper multipliers as shown here. Meaning, suggest grab whichever is available and of lowest cost in your area.The 4-core TDP limit means any faster 45W CPUs do not see any gains. If need more performance and have deeper pockets then consider purchasing a 55W i7-3920XM instead. It has an additional 10W heatroom for turbo. Though it will absolutely need cooling mods to be able to accomodate at that level. <- 55W CPU is being limited to 45W on a 2570P as shown.It's possible to get and install cheaper PGA-to-BGA converted i7-quad CPUs as demonstrated by pandaleo.RECOMMENDED reading: How to choose the most efficient 45W i7-quadPerformance upgrade: external graphics (eGPU)DIY eGPU to attach a desktop videocard via the 2570P's 5Gbps expresscard slot. Provides accelerated gaming graphics, CUDA/OpenCL processing and additional HDMI/DVI outputs to drive multiple monitors. To do this most users only need to set System configuration->Device configuration expresscard slot from Generation 1 to Generation 2 as shown below:A NVidia GTX460/560/660/670 is a straight plug-n-play implementation on a 2570P when using Windows 7, though Win8.x is problematic (src: here). Win8.x users may consider doing a UEFI installation instead which resolved error12 and gave hotplug capabilities as noted here.An AMD card, GTX650, GTX750, GTX9xx or older NVidia cards require a DSDT override and (maybe) DIY eGPU Setup 1.x interposer software to eradicate error 12 that prevents their functionality. See the 2570P DSDT override details if using one of these cards.Implemented on a 2570P at x1.2Opt speed (5Gbps + compression) using a NVidia GTX670 (jacobsson), GTX660Ti (Tech Inferno Fan), GTX560Ti (bjorm), GTX660 (dewos), GTX560Ti (hatoblue), GTX650Ti (phillofoc) Above: simplified HP 2570P eGPU installation process instructions courtesy of T|U user badbadbadPerformance upgrade: storageExtra hotswappable 9.5mm (2.5") HDD/SSD added through Optical-Drive Bay (SimoxTav) or newmodeus. US$18 optical drive faceplate replacement part2570P RAID-0 SSD guide (jacobsson) - get superfast bootup and 1GB/s sequential reads by configuring two SATA-III SSDs as a RAID-0 volUS$4 eSATAp cable - connect to your SATA HDD/SSD to the 2570P's eSATAp (combo SATA+ USB 3.0) port for superfast bootable storage.FAQ about optical drive space saver: can it's faceplate be used on other ODDs/caddies? Answer: no/yes.System mod: LCD upgrade The supplied LCD is a 12.5" single-LVDS TN panel, HP P/N 685504-001 which is a AUO B125XW02 V.0 or Samsung LTN125AT02 with relatively narrow viewing angles and around 45% gamut. X220/X230 IPS LCD retrofit with wide viewing angles: failed attempts by bjorm and pandaleo due to insufficient clearancehigher-resolution panels: not possible as HP has confirmed 2570P has only single-LVDS wired per detailsSystem mods: cooling and fan quieteningRecommended reading - INFO: Tech Inferno Fan findings on improving 2570P cooling systemNotebook FanControl - easier to configure than TPFanControl. Can set 2.5% (2825 rpm)-100% (5120 rpm) manual fan control or temperature-based rules. Nice. Though because there isn't a 2570P configuration item I use a HP 8560P or ZBook 15 instead.troubadix's TPFanControl allows software fan step control though doesn't alter the cut-in RPMs which bjorm says is 3072rpmquiet_fan: 2x1N4004 diode mod (bjorm) & : reduce fan RPMs including cut-in RPMsheatsink mods: by Tech Inferno Fan's (copper-stack), Aikimox, bjorm & jacobsson's 'Anarchist' - improve heat transfer to reduce fan activity or host a 45W i7-quad comfortablybjorm's holey bottom cover mod - improve airflowSystem mod: BIOS inc WLAN/WWAN Unfortunately the 2570P bios is RSA protected. Flashing a modified BIOS that say disables the WWAN whitelist results in system failing to boot. Nobody has successfully created a modified bios. REF: bios-mods.com. WLAN/WWAN/Bluetooth whitelist : IDs of cards that the BIOS will allow boot with.Confirmed Intel 6235 working in 2570P - it's between 0.5W to 1W more efficient than the stock Intel 6205 (M3ph15t)Non-whitelisted Intel/Atheros WLAN works: Intel 1000, 5100, 6235 and Atheros AR5B91 all work as "Test WLAN" cards with BIOS F.41/F.42F.44 bios confirmed by HP to have no WLAN whitelistBIOS dumps at hpfocus.com : extensive Elitebook (inc 2570P) bios dumps. Here's the two files discussed of interest: 68ISB16.F34.rar (F.34 dump - unlock flash descriptor with WIN+[left arrow]+[right arrow] then flash using fptw64.exe utility). NbDmiFit-2.03.zip (DMIFit - initialize the computer information(S/N, P/N, etc.) Emergency recovery: if you have a flash go wronghttp://forum.techinferno.com/general...html#post26529 : Press WIN+[left arrow]+[right arrow] during poweron to unlock the flash descriptor WWANDOS - HP WWAN whitelist writing tool Tweaks: overclocking and extending battery lifeKhenglish's 2570P BCLK overclocking ME FW - allows increasing BCLK by 4.8% using XTU software, eg: i5-3360M 2.8Ghz -> 2.93GhzBattery life tweaks inc 33% longer 2570P battery life by enabling ASPMs and L0s L1 using softwareMISC infoWLAN-USB: Wiring the WLAN USB pins to the docking connector to enable WLAN Bluetooth (BCM94352AC+BT4.0) [invait53]INFO: Retrofitting webcam to non-webcam modelCorrecting Production Information Incorrect bios halt screen (eg: system board, product name, serial, SKU, family)Using a ramdisk for browser cache (phillofoc) : to extend battery lifeWWAN whitelist workaround. As a BIOS mod is not possible, enthusiastic individuals could mask then internally re-route the WWAN USB pins (36,38) to either the expresscard or docking connector USB port. Yes, soldering would be required. REF: 2560P schematic for pinouts.unbridged tracks on 2570P WWAN socket are mSATA but no BIOS support : info on how the mSATA can be enabled on the WWAN socket weight loss : how to lighten the 2570P using a weight saver instead of the optical drive, lighter AC adapter, + more.Hackintosh works on 2570P: Mac OSX Mountain Lion (10.8.5) confirmed working minus wifi on a 2570P.Hackintosh works on 2570P #2 : Newer Mavericks 10.9 working on a 2570P. HP '820 G1' backlit keyboard retrofit : unimplemented experimental howtoObtaining an expresscard blank: how to order a replacement if lost yours, getting a optical bay space saver in the processHP HS2340 WWAN module: using it on a non-HP notebookHS2340 WWAN module: fixes for dropping connections (HP forums)Systemboard photos : closeup photos by pandaleoWin7 fix for brightness hotkeys ceasing to work after sleep-resume cycle (phillofoc)Acknowledgements: a cast of many 2570P and other T|I users contributing to this thread. Thank you. 12.5" HP Elitebook 2570P review from 51nb.comTech Inferno Fan comments: Below is 51nb.com's Chinese-to-English translated 2570P review. notebookcheck have done a extensive review too. There's another English version review of the HP EliteBook 2570p posted that has some great coverage. Almighty business The HP EliteBook 2570p evaluation (source: 51nb.com)Business this traditionally has a the impertinent game video of the mainstream computing power, With the notebook full access IVB era, equipped with the latest the IVB architecture processor of Commerce this performance has been further enhanced. HP recently introduced the ProBook and EliteBook series of new business in this latest IVB platform positioning flagship model EliteBook 2570p continuation of the the HP business of the excellent design, including black TrackPoint, fingerprint reader, 180 degrees opening and closing angle, backplane Free tools demolition, today let us through a detailed evaluation of the article to understand the business of the new features under this all-around. HP EliteBook 2570p hardware configuration: Intel IVB i5 3210M processor, 4GB DDR3 1600 single-channel memory, 500GB 7200 rpm mechanical hard drive, Intel HD 4000 Core graphics, detailed parameter configuration table with reference below. Hewlett-Packard (HP) 2570p (B8Z45PA) Operating system Preloaded with Windows 7 Professional Edition Processor frequency Intel IVB i5 3210M Processor description Dual core four threads, clocked at 2.5GHz, Turbo accelerates to 3.1GHz, TDP 35W Memory descriptor 4GB DDR3 1600 Hard to describe 500GB, 7200 rpm mechanical hard Drive type DVD burner Screen description 12.5 inches, 1366x768, 16:9 dimming wide viewing angle, thin screen Graphics chip Intel GMA HD 4000 (Core Graphics) Wireless LAN 802.11b/g/n (300Mbps) Refers to take keyboard Pointing stick, touchpad (multi-touch), full-size chocolate keyboard Data interface 2 USB3.0, 1 a USB2.0/eSATA dual-use interface, VGA, power, keyhole, DisplayPort, docking station port, RJ-45/RJ-11 interface, Smart Card, ExpressCard, SD card reader. Body Material Magnesium alloy Body weight Bare metal 1.96kg, travel 2.415kg Body size 300mm x 209mm x 27mm Appearance and interface: magnesium alloy body business interface● The appearance and use of materialsHigh strength material to the positioning the flagship of Commerce this will build the fuselage, the HP EliteBook 2570p body adopts high-strength magnesium alloy, with silver surface grinding process, with strong metal texture and also can effectively prevent fingerprint residue . 2570p whole shape design very low-key, nor around the rounded handle the current popular to abandon fashion elements only for the professional business. HP 2570p magnesium alloy body with a high degree of robustness Lithium battery using the HP 2570p randomly equipped the kyphosis design, this is tantamount to increase the width of the fuselage, but large-capacity lithium battery can also bring more endurance. ● Body thickness 2570p rear fuselage thickest approximately 34.25mm, and the front of the fuselage of 30.95mm, thickness or normal the Almighty business this machine who can design more expansion interface.● Extended Interface Almighty business this has a very well-equipped business interface design, the HP 2570p fuselage front end does not design any expansion interface, and most of the area of the rear fuselage, while lithium batteries occupy, but the left and right sides of the battery is still VGA, and dual USB3.0 interface. HP 2570p expansion interface design more concentrated in the fuselage left and right ends of the left side of the fuselage interface follows the power, RJ-45, RJ-11, DVD drive and Smart Card, the right side of the fuselage interface from right left turn for notebook lock the docking connector eSATA/USB2.0, DisplayPort, headphone / microphone, SD card reader and ExpressCard. View 2570p expansion interface is very well equipped, even the old RJ-11 interface has also been retained, two USB3.0 plus a USB2.0 also be able to meet the demand for the use of the most of the time, although 2570p DisplayPort interface , but the lack of a more mainstream HDMI interface looks a little regret.● portability The HP 2570p bare metal weight of 1.96kg, travel weight of 2.41kg, this weight is quite normal for a performance mainstream business of the Almighty metal.Chapter Summary: HP EliteBook 2570p on the body design is very introverted, magnesium-alloy high-strength material can effectively protect the safety of the fuselage, the surface layer of matte treatment has a good anti-fingerprint effect. More normal body thickness and portability. Interface, in addition to 2570p with HDMI outside the flagship business of the proper mainstream interface connected to the docking station can further enhance scalability.12.5-inch matte screen spill-resistant keyboard display and manipulation:● Screen HP EliteBook 2570p with a 12.5-inch LED matte screen resolution is 1366x768, 12.5-inch mainstream is also the business of the frequently used screen size, actual use, and 13-inch screen is not much difference. The matte surface is indispensable for high-end business, which can effectively prevent the glare caused by the interference of the human eye while enhancing the notebook display. The actual use of the process, a good piece of screen display, more accurate color reproduction, viewing angle of approximately 150 degrees left and right direction. HP EliteBook 2570p with alloy hinge sunken shaft the screen high fastness, 2570p screen the maximum opening angle of more than 180 degrees, which is also an important high-end business logo.● camera HP EliteBook 2570p HD Webcam settings on the screen just above the right there with a protective cover keyboard lights when not in use can be turned off the protective cover to prevent dust and moisture from entering.● control experience HP 2570p is equipped with a high-touch black chocolate spill-resistant keyboard, the key processes and key spacing design is very reasonable, prolonged beating also be able to maintain a good feeling. Although this keyboard does not have a backlight function, but by means of the camera to the right of the keyboard lights in low light conditions and accurate identification keys. This as the flagship business, let your hands do not leave the area of the keyboard to move the cursor pointing stick natural essential 2570p black the TrackPoint design in the middle of the keyboard position. 2570p touchpad uses the same metal grinding treatment, feel comfortable, precise positioning on the below the the four shortcuts resistance are very small, the key sound is also very light. Up and down two shortcuts used with the TrackPoint, the bottom two and trackpad for use with two combinations, allowing those different habits. 2570p biometric fingerprint reader design in the lower right corner of the C surface 2570p the upper right corner of the keyboard area wireless network switch, three shortcuts for fast Internet access and volume switch, the top left corner of the keyboard area is only one power switch the C surface design is also very simple.● scalability HP 2570p backplane support tool-free, only need to the bottom of the fuselage on the left of the power / the the backplane combo demolition the switch Wang Zuoce poke can free tool to tear down the backplane, this design is very humane, users either upgrade your hardware or clean-up The dust will become very convenient. HP 2570p disassemble tool-free chassis internal body details HP 2570p memory slots and hard drive slot details, including hard disk slot portion with a unique HP 3D DriveGuard protection technology, the fuselage impact on the effective protection of hard disk data. 2570p also provides mSATA interface, users can increase their own SSD to improve the overall performance. Chapter Summary: HP 2570p with a piece of business of the common 12.5-inch LED matte screen resolution mainstream 1366x768, the screen maximum opening angle of 180 degrees or more, fully meet the demand for business use, in addition with black TrackPoint and keyboard lighting, full-size chocolate spill-resistant keyboard can bring very good handling experience. Scalability using unique backplane Free tools demolition design, 2570p hardware upgrade or clean up the dust are very convenient.Hardware and performance: IVB i5 3210M with HD 4000 nuclear● Processor HP 2570p using an Intel architecture IVB i5 3210M processor, using the X86 field is currently the most advanced 22nm process technology, dual-core four threads, 6MB cache, the default clocked at 2.5GHz, Turbo Boost up to 3.1 GHz, TDP 35W.● Memory Terms of memory, 2570p using a single 2GB DDR3 1600 high-speed memory, timing 11-11-11-28, read speed 11794MB / s, write speed to 12462MB / s read and write speed or capacity can good deal with day-to-day use demand, can increase a 4GB memory 8GB dual-channel, the whole performance there will be a certain level of improvement.● wPrime wPrime is a notebook processor performance testing software, 2570p using the i5 3210M 32M and 1024M test results were 16.911 seconds and 584.833 seconds, leading the older generation i5 2430M approximately 10%.● CINEBENCH 11.5 Another common CINEBENCH 11.5 test software, the HP 2570p CPU single core performance 1.15pts, multi-core results 2.71pts previous generation i5 2430M approximately 10% ahead of the same.● Graphic Business notebook graphics capabilities are not very high, HP 2570p CPU integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 Core graphics card, core frequency of 650MHz, memory frequency is 800MHz, and meet the business office is not a big problem.● Hard HP 2570p with a 500GB 7200 rpm Hitachi mechanical hard drive, this hard drive in HD Tune Pro test a minimum transfer speed of about 45.4MB / S, the maximum transmission speed is about 103.0MB / S, the average transfer speed of approximately 79.0 MB / S, HD Tune graph when the read test is also very stable. The 2570p Similarly with HP 3D DriveGuard hard disk protection technology, the fuselage by the impact of the big efforts to advance locked hard disk to protect data security.● PCMARK 7 In the the professional machine performance testing software PCMARK7, 2570p total score of 2819 points. Chapter Summary: HP 2570p using the latest IVB i5 3210M processor, the default 2.5GHz, 3.1GHz high frequency has a very mainstream performance Turbo 4GB DDR3 1600 memory also able to meet the complex business-use environment. 500GB 7200 RPM high-capacity mechanical hard drive with HP 3D DriveGuard hard disk protection technology, the data is very safe.Cooling capacity, endurance test, evaluation Full Summary● Heat HP 2570p using the bottom into the wind, the wind out of the right side of the fuselage cooling mode, use should pay attention to the right hand mouse and the distance of the fuselage, so as not to vent hot air right impact. 2570p Here's the specific thermal performance test. The temperature of the surface of the conventional standby fuselage C (left) and D surface (right) To use AIDA64 Let 2570p processor and graphics card to run at full capacity 30 minutes Full load for 30 minutes after the fuselage C surface temperature Surface temperature of the full load for 30 minutes after the body D We can see through the professional thermal imager: conventional standby mode (room temperature about 26 degrees) 2570p body C face maximum temperature was 34.4 degrees, the position appears in the upper left corner of the touchpad, the maximum temperature of the D surface outlet was 38.5 degrees, the position appears on the right side of the fuselage, the whole, fairly good 2570p cooling capacity in standby mode; conventional 2570p fuselage C surface temperature of 36.8 degrees after 30 minutes of full load, D surface The maximum temperature of 59.2 degrees C, the highest temperature of the surface D are located near the main outlet the HP 2570p full load cooling capacity is the same impressive.● Endurance Test HP EliteBook 2570p standard lithium battery capacity 11.1V 62Wh Screen brightness to 50% and turn on WiFi, then turn on the power-saving mode the last HP 2570p estimated 7 hours battery life under Windows 7. Evaluation Summary: HP 2570p has a very high degree of sturdy magnesium alloy body, coupled with a biometric fingerprint reader, spill-resistant keyboard 3D DriveGuard hard disk protection technology, the internal body as well as the hard drive information can be effectively protected . The opening angle of over 180 degrees screen, mainstream and complete business interface design, IVB platform performance, excellent hardware configurations make this machine demonstrated a deep skill, backplane tool-free is a big bright spot, users can easily upgrade hardware or screwdriver to clean the dust. This model priced at about 10,500 yuan, the positioning and the ThinkPad T430 is similar, if you do not intend to into the black, then this HP EliteBook 2570p is also a very good choice.